Spiritual Man: The Cross
In 2 Corinthians chapter 12, Stephen highlights the importance of spiritual visions and revelations in the life of a believer. He recounts Paul’s extraordinary experience of being caught up to the third heaven and hearing unspeakable things, emphasizing that such visions are a divine gift that reveal God's glory and the man in Christ—our Lord Jesus—who sits on the throne. Stephen explains that true spiritual men possess authority rooted in Christ, are willing to suffer for God's sake, and are characterized by the foolishness of God, which is wiser than human wisdom. He stresses that living under an open heaven—receiving ongoing visions and revelations—is essential for spiritual strength, unity, and direction. These visions unveil God's heart, His purpose, and the eternal plan of salvation, centered on bringing man into glory through Christ. Stephen warns against fragmentary visions that lead to division, urging believers to see the whole divine purpose—culminating in the man in glory—and to fit their individual parts into this grand vision. He encourages believers to seek continuous revelation, which sustains and unites the church, and to live in the light of the heavenly vision, ultimately glorifying God and fulfilling His eternal purpose. We are called to pray for open heavens and divine insight to walk in God's full plan.
Outline of Main Points
- Paul’s experience of being caught up to the third heaven and paradise, hearing unspeakable things.
- Characteristics of a spiritual man: authority rooted in Christ, willingness to suffer, foolishness of God as divine wisdom.
- The importance of living under an open heaven—receiving ongoing visions and revelations from God.
- Visions unveil the heart and purpose of God, revealing the man in glory—Christ—and His plan for mankind.
- Paradise is the resting place of the redeemed, awaiting resurrection; its location and relationship to heaven are discussed.
- Paul’s life exemplifies a man of continuous visions, guided by divine revelations for ministry and perseverance.
- Believers should seek a life of ongoing divine revelation to strengthen, unify, and direct their walk with God.
- Visions are part of God's divine unveiling, revealing His eternal purpose and the man in glory—Christ and His church.
- Fragmentary visions can cause division; understanding the whole divine vision is essential for unity and purpose.
- Our Christian life should be a pursuit of the heavenly vision, fitting all parts into God's grand design for His glory.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
